A Farewell To Cliff Johnson

Photo from the official Cliff Johnson Facebook page.

The Chicago music scene and the power pop genre in general took a major hit yesterday with the news that Cliff Johnson had died. Several friends posted tributes on Facebook; with the common threads being Johnson’s tremendous talent and outgoing, friendly nature. He was also a prolific songwriter with a gift for catchy melodies and adventurous lyrics.

A charismatic lead vocalist who could make audiences laugh as well as dance, Johnson performed with Pezband, d’Thumbs, Black And Blonde, U.S.S.A., and The Raine over several years. But he was best known for nearly leading Off Broadway to national dominance. When the band’s debut effort On came out in 1979, countless hometown fans believed we had launched another Cheap Trick. Especially considering the initial success of the first single “Stay In Time.”

Sadly, Off Broadway would become yet another promising Chicago music act seemingly mismanaged by a major label. But even though Off Broadway never climbed the national charts with the regularity we expected, the group and Johnson secured legendary status here at home and among power pop fans who regard On as a masterpiece. Johnson performed with The Raine a few years back before reuniting with Off Broadway for a series of shows at local venues.

When I saw Johnson with Pezband around the mid-1970s at a south suburban venue called Godfather’s (I think), it was my first time seeing a live performance with that kind of high energy. I had only just started my drinking days and was used to more sedate combos covering Top 40 hits in dimly lit lounges. From that point on, I switched to clubs like Harlow’s in Burbank and Mother’s on Division Street. There was no going back to lounges once I had encountered the real rock and roll of Chicago.

Saturday Slumgullion

Yesterday afternoon found WXRT radio personality Lin Brehmer doing his last broadcast for a while. As he announced earlier this week, Brehmer will need an extended break from his daily shift to undergo chemotherapy for prostate cancer. Prior to yesterday’s show, he predicted no one would guess the final song he picked for the broadcast, and he was probably right. It was “All For The Love Of Rock And Roll” by Tuff Darts, featuring Robert Gordon on vocals. A great song, but I have to admit I never heard it before. Best wishes to Lin for a successful treatment and speedy return to doing what he loves.

Happy Birthday to guitarist-vocalist Mike Skill, a founding and still active member of The Romantics. Skill has a solo gig coming up at Liar’s Club in Chicago on August 13. He’ll be joined by fellow Romantics member Brad Elvis (who also drums for The Handcuffs) and Ricky Rat of Trash Brats. The Tall Doug band and The Alright Maybes are also on the bill.

The Handcuffs and Poison Boys are throwing a record release show and party at Liar’s Club on Chicago’s north side next Friday, July 23. The Artist Formally Known As Vince band is also on the bill.

The Chicago-based The Alright Maybes, in addition to opening for Mike Skill, recently released the catchy and playful new song “Gone” on Soundcloud. It combines Angela Riehnhart’s evocative vocals with a catchy, guitar-driven arrangement, similar to the approach the band used on its four song 2021 EP Always Almost.

International Pop Overthrow - Los Angeles kicked off this past Thursday at Redwood Bar and will continue through Saturday, July 23 with showcases at that venue and Molly Malone’s, as well as a Sunday evening (July 17) Big Stir Records Night at Trip in Santa Monica. I have to think this fest will bring back loads of fond memories for founder David Bash since L.A. was where the very first IPO  took place all those years ago. The participating acts this year include The Jeremy Band; The Armoires; Lannie and Danny, and Turning Violet.

IPO - Chicago veterans The Spindles will be performing their original power pop gems on July 23 at Danny’s On Douglas in Elgin.

Adrian Belew has a pair of gigs coming up at City Winery Chicago this Monday and Tuesday, July 18 and 19.

Sonic45, the relatively new band led by former Chicago Cubs announcer Len Kasper, will return to the Hey Nonny venue in Arlington Heights next Thursday, July 28. In addition to featuring Kasper on guitar, Sonic45 boasts an impressive lineup of Dag Juhlin (Poi Dog Pondering, The Slugs); Gerald Dowd (Robbie Fulks); Liam Davis (Frisbie, Justin Roberts); and Matt Spiegel (Brother Brother, Tributosaurus). Jennifer Hall, who recently released her latest single “Belonging Forever,” will be a special guest that evening. Doors open at 6:30 pm; the music starts at 7:30 pm.

There will be a benefit for veteran Chicago jazz performer Judy Roberts, who’s been battling a rare blood cancer, at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights on July 26. Roberts and her husband, saxophonist Greg Fishman, are expected to be there, and they will be joined by musician friends Petra Van Nuis, Andy Brown, Russ Phillips, Jeannie Lamber and Nick Schneider.

 

Women Who Rock is now available to view on the Epix entertainment website. Directed by Jessica Hopper, the four-part docuseries features several well-known musicians sharing their stories about succeeding in the male-dominated music industry. Sheila E.; Chaka Khan; Nancy Wilson from Heart; St. Vincent; Mavis Staples; Joan Jett; Norah Jones; Kate Pierson from The B-52’s; Susanna Hoffs from The Bangles; Tina Weymouth from Talking Heads; Aimee Mann; Tori Amos; and Kim Gordon from Sonic Youth are among the stars who were interviewed. Footage of several other performers is featured in the series as well.

Psychedelic Furs, who gave us new wave classics such as “Love My Way” and “Heartbreak Beat,” will bring their Made Of Rain tour to Chicago next Friday, July 23 at the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom. Los Angeles punk pioneers X will be the opening act.

Local band Outronaut will be cranking out original, fun, and adventurous rock instrumentals free of charge at Elmhurst Hall in suburban Elmhurst on August 13.

whitewolfsoniceprincess and SPACE seem to like each other. The alt-rock band has another gig coming at the Evanston venue on next Wednesday, July 20.

The 8th Annual Irish American Movie Hooley will kick off with a fundraising screening featuring the Preston Sturges written-and-directed political satire The Great McGinty next Sunday, July 24 at the Lake Theatre in Oak Park. There will be cocktails at Victory Italian afterward. The suggested donation is $100. The festival itself will run Sept. 16 – 18 at Classic Cinema’s Lake Theatre in Oak Park, and then Sept. 23 – 25 at The Wilmette Theatre in Wilmette.

Louvre Fantastique: The Exhibition officially opens at the Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook, IL on July 17. The exhibition promises to bring 70 of the iconic Paris museum’s masterpieces to life “in an enchanting, 360-degree experience.”  Admission is $32.90 for adults; $22.90 for children, and $25.40 for senior, student or military. 

Incoming

The four-part docuseries Women Who Rock is now available to view on the Epix entertainment website. As noted in Mark Kennedy’s recent Associated Press article (picked up by the Chicago Tribune), director Jessica Hopper brought together an impressive list of musicians to share their stories of succeeding in the male-dominated music industry. Those interviewed include Sheila E.; Chaka Khan; Nancy Wilson from Heart; Shania Twain; St. Vincent; Mavis Staples; Joan Jett; Rickie Lee Jones; Pat Benatar; Norah Jones; Kate Pierson from The B-52’s; Susanna Hoffs from The Bangles; Nona Hendryx; Tina Weymouth from Talking Heads; Aimee Mann; Tori Amos; Jody Whatley; Kathleen Hanna from Bikini Kill; Kim Gordon from Sonic Youth; and Macy Gray. Footage of several other performers is featured in the series as well.

The above-mentioned Norah Jones is currently celebrating the 20th Anniversary of her best-selling album Come Away With Me, and will perform this Friday, July 15 at the Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island in Chicago.

The Handcuffs and Poison Boys are throwing a record release show and party at Liar’s Club on Chicago’s north side next Saturday, July 23. The Artist Formally Known As Vince band is also on the bill. I haven’t heard the Poison Boys’ effort yet, but Burn The Rails by The Handcuffs is definitely worth picking up. Liar’s Club is located at 1665 W. Fullerton.

Psychedelic Furs, who gave us new wave classics such as “Love My Way” and “Heartbreak Beat,” have a gig coming up next Saturday, July 23 at the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom, as part of their Made Of Rain tour. Los Angeles punk pioneers X will be the opening act.

Rob Schulz, a veteran of International Pop Overthrow - Chicago, has a solo acoustic gig coming this Saturday at Merkle’s Bar And Grill. The venue is located within walking distance of Wrigley Field, and Schulz is scheduled to start his show soon after the Cubs vs Mets game wraps up.

If you’re looking to put an artistic, impressive event on your social calendar, the Louvre Fantastique Opening Night Soirée takes place tomorrow, July 14, at the Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook, IL. Opening night admission is $69.00. The exhibition officially opens on July 17, and promises to bring 70 of the iconic Paris museum’s masterpieces to life “in an enchanting, 360-degree experience.”  Regular admission will be $32.90 for adults; $22.90 for children, and $25.40 for senior, student or military.

The Goodman Theatre in downtown Chicago will present its Playwrights Unit Readings this Friday through Sunday in the Healy Rehearsal Room. The featured new works are Masks Off by Susan H. Pak, directed by Helen Young; A Darkling At Nightfall by Mallory-Raven Backstrom, directed by Ken-Matt Martin; and Modern Women by Omer Abbas Salem, directed by Sophiyaa Nayar. Free tickets can be reserved at the Goodman website.

And continuing in a cultural vein, congratulations to Southern California native Ada Limon on being chosen as America’s next poet laureate. She’ll begin her year-long reign on September 29.

 

Speaking of class acts, long-time WXRT radio personality Lin Brehmer shocked his many fans yesterday with an on-air announcement that he has been fighting prostate cancer and will need to take an extended break from his daily shift to undergo chemotherapy. He also posted the news on social media, as did WXRT. One of my earliest Broken Hearted Toy posts, back on August 24, 2009, covered a Brehmer birthday bash at the Arlington Park racetrack.

That was the first of a number of times I would have a chance to speak to him. He was down-to-earth and friendly through all of our meetings, definitely living up to his slogan that he is his listeners’ Best Friend In The Whole World. So, this Friday will be Brehmer’s last broadcast for a while. With morning DJ Richard Milne already on leave (to deal with his wife’s illness), WXRT is now without two of its most popular air personalities. Best wishes to both of them for making their way back to their many fans in the near future.

Slumgullion

Formentera, the latest album from Canadian rockers Metric came out today, and the band will kick off its extensive Doomscroller North American tour on August 11 at the Royal Theatre in Victoria, BC. They’ll play The Chicago Theatre in Chicago on October 18.

Fan Expo Chicago opened yesterday at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont and will run through Sunday. Formerly known as Wizard World, the event is celebrating its 50th year with the usual mix of fantasy and sci-fi celebrities, graphic novel creators, and countless aisles of fun merchandise. Artists Alley has always been one of my favorite sections, since it’s packed with creative, if not (yet) famous, people selling art, books, buttons, and other wares.

It’s been a long wait, but Beatles fans will finally be able to buy a DVD or Blu-Ray copy of director Peter Jackson’s critically acclaimed documentary The Beatles: Get Back. It comes out next Tuesday, July 12. 

Adrian Belew has a pair of gigs coming up at City Winery Chicago on July 18 and 19.

The annual Square Roots festival opened tonight and will run through Sunday in Lincoln Square (4400 – 4560 Lincoln Avenue) on Chicago’s north side. Bob Mould, Guided By Voices, and Dehd are listed as the headline acts, and there’s a wealth of critically acclaimed performers involved. The lineup includes Lilly Hiatt; !!! (CHK CHK CHK); Hayes Carll; The Cactus Blossoms; The O’My’s; The Altons; and ÉSSO. The suggested donation $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and kids, and $20 for families.

ABC, the U.K. band that gave us gorgeous hit singles such as “Poison Arrow,” “All Of My Heart,” and “The Look Of Love” back in the 1980s, have a gig tomorrow night at the Des Plaines Theatre in suburban Des Plaines. Staff writer Tom Lanham has an interesting interview with frontman Martin Fry in the July issue of the Illinois Entertainer.

I don’t know why you wouldn’t come. Norah Jones, who’s currently celebrating the 20th Anniversary of her best-selling album Come Away With Me, will perform next Friday, July 15 at the Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island in Chicago.

The new version of “Baba O’Riley” recorded by Christy McWilson and The Picketts as part of the Women Sing The Who Bandcamp series has been picking up airplay on various indie rock stations. Downloading the track only costs a buck, and sales benefit The Who’s charitable organization Teen Cancer America.

The 8th Annual Irish American Movie Hooley will kick off with a fundraising screening of the Preston Sturges written-and-directed political satire The Great McGinty on Sunday, July 24 at the Lake Theatre in Oak Park. There will be cocktails at Victory Italian afterward. The suggested donation is $100. The festival itself will run Sept. 16 – 18 at Classic Cinema’s Lake Theatre in Oak Park, and then Sept. 23 – 25 at The Wilmette Theatre in Wilmette.

The first annual Third Coast Surf Fest, scheduled for Waukegan Harbor tomorrow has been cancelled “due to circumstances way beyond our control” according to an update on the event’s official website. Refunds will be issued to ticket holders and vendors.

The Spindles will go under covers this Sunday afternoon, July 10 when they perform as The Everly Lovers as part of the Orland Park Library’s Summer Concert Series. They’ll play an hour’s worth of Everly Brothers tunes, as well as hits by acts who were inspired by Phil and Don.

There will be a benefit for veteran Chicago jazz performer Judy Roberts, who’s been battling a rare blood cancer, at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights on July 26. Roberts and her husband, saxophonist Greg Fishman, are expected to be there, and they will be joined by musician friends Petra Van Nuis, Andy Brown, Russ Phillips, Jeannie Lamber and Nick Schneider

 

The highly ambitious Pop Aid - A Power Pop Compilation To Benefit The Citizens Of Ukraine 3-CD is now available to pre-order on the Kool Kat Musik website. The cost is $24, with 100% of all profits going to help World Central Kitchen feed people in the Ukraine. An international cast of power pop bands came together on this project; each donating a new or previously unreleased song. Listening to the promotional version, it’s clear these musicians were determined to contribute their best work.

Pop Aid - A Power Pop Compilation To Benefit The Citizens Of Ukraine

The highly ambitious Pop Aid - A Power Pop Compilation To Benefit The Citizens Of Ukraine 3-CD set is finished and will go on sale exactly a month from today. It can be pre-ordered for $24 on the Kool Kat Musik website, with 100% of all profits going to help World Central Kitchen feed people in the Ukraine. An international cast of power pop bands came together on this project; each donating a new or previously unreleased song. Listening to the promotional version, it’s clear these musicians were determined to contribute their best work.

Coming from the power pop genre, it’s no surprise several tracks seem inspired by the Revolver and Rubber Soul era of The Beatles. Jangling guitars and harmony vocals set to infectious arrangements are spread across this trio of CDs. It would be impossible to describe all the top-notch material here, so the next few paragraphs will touch on a few examples.

Jeremy with Ken Stringfellow; Rich Arithmetic; The Walkdown; Arvidson And Butterflies; Goldstoned; and The Overtures succeed with an original British Invasion approach. Chuck Yoakum’s “Love Revolution,” on the other hand, has more of a Beatles White Album vibe. Deadlights; Thrift Store Halo; Jamie Hoover with Michael Ruiz and Elena Rogers; and Lolas bring a harder edge to the party, while The Embryos create a tropical mood on “Rain Snow Sunshine.” The Stayawakes unleash a revved-up arrangement on “Song For Milhouse,” while the coed vocals and twanging guitars The Red Sticks employ on “Shake Your Money Tree” evoke The Cramps.

Joey Molland’s “Hero” deals with finding strength when confronted with an increasingly threatening world. Ian M. Bailey sets satirical observations to a galloping cowpunk beat on “TV Land,” while on “Town Clock Caller,” Iain Mutch and Thee Absurdist Monks provide the off-kilter fun you’d expect from an outfit with that moniker. There are also the well-crafted cover versions of “When You Walk In The Room” by The Flashcubes and “Alfie” by Nick Frater. Super 8 has the final word on Pop Aid - A Power Pop Compilation To Benefit The Citizens Of Ukraine with “Tanks And Guns,” a rallying call for the courageous people of Ukraine. It sums up this compilation's mission beautifully. 

Incoming

The annual Square Roots festival takes place this Friday through Sunday in Lincoln Square (4400 – 4560 Lincoln Avenue) on Chicago’s north side. Bob Mould, Guided By Voices, and Dehd are listed as the headline acts, and there’s a wealth of critically acclaimed performers involved. The lineup includes Lilly Hiatt; !!! (CHK CHK CHK); Hayes Carll; The Cactus Blossoms; The O’My’s; The Altons; and ÉSSO. The suggested donation is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and kids, and $20 for families.

Kevin Lee and The Kings have an outdoor gig coming up this Thursday, July 7 on the dock at Montrose Beach. The Chicago-based quartet will be playing high-energy, guitar-driven rock and roll from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. Songs from their impressive new Lightning Strikes EP will likely being included in the performance.

NOTE: The first annual Third Coast Surf Fest, scheduled for Waukegan Harbor on July 9 has been cancelled “due to circumstances way beyond our control” according to an update on the event’s official website. Refunds will be issued to ticket holders and vendors.

The Handcuffs will be the official house band and backing band when Thanks, Doll: A Celebration Of Cynthia Plaster Caster takes place this Thursday, July 7 at Metro. The event will feature Jon Langford and Sally Timms from The Mekons and Waco Brothers; Chris Connelly from Ministry and Revolting Cocks; Suzi Gardner from L7; Bobby Conn; Martin Court from P.I.L; Tennis Court Oaths; and other acts.

The Spindles will be performing under the name The Everly Lovers this Sunday afternoon, July 10, as part of the Orland Park Library’s Summer Concert Series. They’ll play an hour’s worth of Everly Brothers tunes, as well as hits by acts who were inspired by Phil and Don.

This past Sunday’s Chicago Tribune carried a heartfelt article by Associated Press writer David Bauder about Olivia Harrison’s new book Came The Lightening - Twenty Poems For George. Bauer quotes Harrison explaining that she wrote the book about her late husband “because he was a good guy. And I want people to know . . . these things.” Based on the article, it’s clear she shares a lot of fascinating and entertaining information in the 104-page Came The Lightening. It’s available from the esteemed Genesis Publications for $35. 

Slumgullion

R.E.M. in their Chronic Town days.

R.E.M. will celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the release of Chronic Town on August 19 by releasing its groundbreaking debut EP in CD, picture disc, cassette, and digital formats. A limited edition cassette player will also be available, along with t-shirts, hoodies, an enamel pin and a skateboard. I still remember the first time I heard “Wolves, Lower” on WXRT (played by either Rob Skafish or Johnny Mars) and being immediately hooked.

FitzGerald’s 37th American Music Festival is running through July 4 in Berwyn. Tomorrow’s schedule includes performances by Marshall Crenshaw; Lilly Hiatt; Chicago Soul Jazz Collective with Dee Alexander; and The Claudettes. Sunday’s lineup includes Ike Reilly Assassination; Lydia Loveless; and CJ Chenier and The Red Hot Louisiana Band, and the final day, July 4th will offer Marcia Ball; Robbie Fulks; Joe Pug; Terrance Simien; and others.

Congratulations to Chicago’s indie label Pravda Records on celebrating its 38th Anniversary in style last weekend at Sketchbook Brewing Company in Skokie. I was there for the Saturday night bash, which featured top-notch performances by The Handcuffs, Diplomats Of Sound, The Service, and The Slugs. In addition to the great live music, there was an amazing atmosphere of camaraderie as so many people from Chicago’s music scene gathered together. I’m sure Friday night’s bash with sets by Josh Caterer, Steve Dawson, Hushdrops, and Boom Hank was just as enjoyable.

Hot Stove Cool Music is taking place as I write this, at Metro on Clark, just down the street from Wrigley Field. The lineup features Mavis Staples; Juliana Hatfield; Ted Leo; Scott Lucas from Local H; Kay Hanley; baseball star/guitarist Bernie Williams; Gail Greenwood with broadcaster Peter Gammons; Will Dailey; Matt Spiegel; the Chicago and Boston Hot Stove All Stars; Red Sox organist Josh Kantor; and the Chicago Children’s Choir. WXRT air personality Lin Brehmer will once again serve as MC, along with Joel Murray. 100% of the proceeds will go to The Foundation To Be named Later College Scholarships.

The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club is having an album release party for its brand new Please Stand By at Reggies Music Joint tonight. It’s part of a three-act Power Pop Shoppe showcase that also includes The Unswept and Gal Gun. Reggies is located at 2105 S. State Street.

Tickets are now on sale for Alvvays and Slow Pulp at the Riviera Theatre on October 14 and Regina Spektor at Chicago Theatre on October 9. Alvvays is also slated to be part of the Chicago version of here and there, taking place at The Salt Shed on August 16. The concert is part of what’s being billed as “a touring festival curated by Courtney Barnett” and will also include Barnett and The Beths. The Salt Shed is one of Chicago’s newest venues; located at the old Morton Salt factory location at 1357 N. Elston Avenue.

As noted by drummer Brad Elvis in a recent Facebook post, his group The Handcuffs will be the official house band and backing band when Thanks, Doll: A Celebration Of Cynthia Plaster Caster takes place next Thursday, July 7 at Metro. The event will feature Jon Langford and Sally Timms from The Mekons and Waco Brothers; Chris Connelly from Ministry and Revolting Cocks; Suzi Gardner from L7; Bobby Conn; Martin Court from P.I.L; Tennis Court Oaths; and other acts.

The Black Excellence Music Expo, featuring Nola Ade, Naglaa; Timmy F., Jana Ghee, and Graphics. will take place at the Promontory on August 3.

The new version of “Baba O’Riley” recorded by Christy McWilson and The Picketts as part of the Women Sing The Who Bandcamp series has been picking up airplay on various indie rock stations. Downloading the track only costs a buck, and sales benefit The Who’s charitable organization Teen Cancer America.

The first annual Third Coast Surf Fest, a benefit for the Alliance for the Great Lakes, will take place at Waukegan Harbor on July 9. The event kicks off at 11:00 am and promises “summer and surf music all day.” Headline act, the extremely fun Los Straightjackets, will perform at 8:00 pm, and the other acts participating are Total Beaches, Outronaut, Tikis, The Breakers, The Moonrays, The Exotics. and Roger That. Tickets range from $25 to $35.

Chicago-based singer-songwriter Phil Angotti’s excellent new album Once Around Again is now available to download on Bandcamp. I bought it on CD at his release party at Martyrs’ a while back, but also wanted it in digital form.

Ronnie Wood continues to share the joys of performing with The Rolling Stones via his amazing artwork. His latest piece, Stones Through The Ages, honors the band’s 60-year career, and depicts himself, Mick Jagger, Brian Jones, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts, and Mick Taylor. It’s available in limited edition, autographed and numbered prints. The large size is priced at $3675.00, and the medium size goes for $925.00.

The Spindles will go under covers next Sunday afternoon, July 10 when they perform as The Everly Lovers as part of the Orland Park Library’s Summer Concert Series. They’ll play an hour’s worth of Everly Brothers tunes, as well as hits by acts who were inspired by Phil and Don. The Chicago-based power pop band reverts back to its own identity for a Spindles gig at Danny’s On Douglas in Elgin.

In related news, a new album titled Hey Doll Baby, with 17 remastered Everly Brothers rarities, was released last week in CD, vinyl, and digital formats. Adria Petty, daughter of Tom Petty, chose the songs with help from Phil Everly’s widow Patti and his son Jason.

There will be a benefit for veteran Chicago jazz performer Judy Roberts, who’s been battling a rare blood cancer, at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights on July 26. Roberts and her husband, saxophonist Greg Fishman, are expected to be there, and they will be joined by musician friends Petra Van Nuis, Andy Brown, Russ Phillips, Jeannie Lamber and Nick Schneider.

 
Prince: The Immersive Experience, is now open at The Shops At North Bridge In Chicago on June 9. The official website promises 10 multidimensional spaces, and an opportunity to “step inside the iconic Purple Rain album cover.” A portion of the proceeds will benefit the After School Matters charity.

Steve Albini doesn’t think a five-card flush sucks. Congratulations to Steve Albini on winning the recent World Series Of Poker Tournament in Las Vegas. For those of us familiar with Albini’s work as a musician and producer of razor-edged alt rock and roll, it’s hard to imagine him sitting quietly with a poker face.